Highland BowlVarious photography vantage points during the approach of Highland Bowl. During the rush of getting to the summit, breathing heavily and trying to stand still and balanced while shooting from our home-made ski pole monopod, I totally forgot about the skis attached to the backpack behind me. Oh well, so much for the perfect uncluttered vista...

Aspen Highlands Closing Day PartiesIn 2006, Aspen Highlands Ski Area came to a season close on April 2. To mark the occasion locals' suited up with retro and weird ski costumes while a steady line of hikers, 2 abreast in places, climbed to Highlands Bowl where a man in a lizard leotard passed around champagne. As the lifts closed a large crowd gathered at the base to say farewell. Bartenders at Iguana's expected to sell 13,000 bottles of Corona by the days end ($21.00 per six pack) and had sold 500 cases by 5 p.m. Patrollers set off charges on the ridge above the base to a appreciative crowd. 100 inches of snow remained as a upper mountain base depth.

Aspen Highlands TimesharesIn addition to the variety of lodges and hotels surrounding the Highlands ski area and the Highland Bowl, there are several timeshare resorts as well. These resorts are some of the most impressive properties in Aspen, offering vacation suites that look more like private apartments than rental properties. Owners can visit annually during their allotted vacation week, but non-owners can rent out unsold and unclaimed weeks to experience the resorts.